Over the next few weeks work on a project set to improve the efficiency of container movements in Tasmania will begin. The $12 million Burnie Port Optimisation Project is forecast to cost $12 million, funded by $4 million contribution from Federal Government and $2 million from the Tasmanian Government, with Toll also contributing $2 million, $1 million from TasRail and the balance from TasPorts.
“The redevelopment will allow us to increase our capacity to carry freight in and out of Tasmania,” said Toll Shipping and Toll Tasmania General Manager Tony Stewart. “A direct interface with the port and the railhead will help us take trucks off the roads and will increase our capabilities to move freight interstate and intrastate.”
The project will provide for the creation of a high productivity transport link for all freight users within the port, and will complement TasRail’s Brighton Transport Hub in the south that includes Toll’s newly opened facility.
“The Optimisation project will create a high productivity transport link for all freight users within the port precinct,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss.
TasPorts (as the project manager) is currently in the process of finalising the agreed construction schedule with the approved contractor, Fulton Hogan. It is expected that the project will take around 10 months to complete and create local employment opportunities.
“This project is a great example of the public and the private sector working together to develop integrated freight solutions that benefit all parties, and ultimately the Tasmanian economy,” said TasPorts Chief Executive Officer, Paul Weedon.
